Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

Learn more about inspirational stories of those Making Modern History at Taco Bell and beyond.

At Taco Bell, we believe that no matter where or who you are, you will always have a seat at the table to pursue your passions and drive a positive impact. We also believe that we have people within our Taco Bell family who are doing just that; Making Modern History and will one day be part of the stories we tell for many years to come.

The month of May celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month was specifically chosen to honor the first known Japanese immigrant to the U.S. (May 1843), as well as to acknowledge the tremendous contribution Chinese immigrants made in completing the transcontinental railroad (May 1869).

AAPI is a wide-ranging term used to describe all cultures across the continent of Asia and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia – representing approximately 50 ethnic groups and 100 languages. There is incredible depth and richness of diversity found within the AAPI community, and this month is devoted to recognizing and elevating their cultural influence.

To honor this month and lead with action-oriented allyship, we’re amplifying the voices of those in the AAPI community who are growing their careers at Taco Bell.

While we’re telling their stories today, throughout the year, we will continue sharing how our Taco Bell employees across all groups make Modern History; the sharing and celebrating doesn’t stop here.

Week 4

Robina C., General Manager and Entrepeneur for Restaurant #001746 in Oceanside, NY

Robina was born in Pakistan and spent much of her younger years traveling the world. By the age of 12, she had already seen over a third of the world but fell in love with one area in particular – New York. "I had just got married, but the charm of New York couldn’t stop me, so in 2007 I moved,” she said.

After moving to the states, Robina yearned to find a job, but was hesitant as it was uncommon in her culture for women to work. “I was always someone who wanted to do something different,” Robina said, and in 2016, she did just that.

Robina began working in the food service industry, but wasn’t happy with the position she was in. Luckily, a friend of hers worked at Taco Bell close by and helped her quit her job and join the Taco Bell family. In 2017, Robina was hired at Taco Bell as a Team Member, but quickly worked her way up to General Manager (GM) in only 18 months – and now she’s considered an Entrepreneur, which is a leadership development program for general managers in company-owned restaurants who have an earning potential of up to $100,000 per year including bonuses.

On top of being a GM, Robina also is a working mother.

“Being a Muslim and female working mother was not appreciated in the beginning. Most of our community did not have any idea that I could have a career,” she said. Through her hard work, Robina is breaking cultural norms and overcoming challenges, “now my circle believes in me because I have shown my passion and have become a leader.”

As she continues her journey, Robina is striving to move her way up within the Brand. She has already begun expanding her role through the Entrepeneur program.

“I have seen a lot of challenges, but I am very passionate and will never give up. The word ‘cannot’ is not in my vocabulary,” she said, “Taco Bell has changed my life and has made me a different person.”

Check back every Tuesday this month to see who else is Making Modern History.